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Carolina has been burned using second-round selections on wideouts in recent years. Keary Colbert didn't pan out in 2004, and Dwayne Jarrett (2007) has also flopped. They even have another second-rounder that's ticketed for bust status on their roster: Dexter Jackson, selected by the Bucs just two years ago.
Even with that track record, there's a strong possibility the Panthers will yet again use a second-rounder on a wideout. They don't have a first-round pick this year, and receiver looks like the roster's greatest area of need. After Steve Smith, Jarrett, and Jackson, the three other wideouts on the team's roster (Kenny Moore, Charly Martin, Wallace Wright) have combined to catch a total of 15 NFL passes.
According to NFL.com draft analyst Gil Brandt, Carolina is spending a lot of time scouting the draft's top wideouts. When Carolina's top pick comes up at No. 48 overall, says Brandt, "I think if they want a wide receiver there, they'll get one who'll be an impact player and help [Steve] Smith out."
The Panthers have other needs; draft guru Mel Kiper, notes the article, thinks the team will use a high pick on a quarterback. But given the team's ugly situation at receiver, don't be surprised if Carolina calls on one early, and if that player finds his way into the starting lineup fairly quickly.
--Andy Richardson
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